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Darlene Kirk, Widow of Coach Bob Kirk, Dies at 86

Darlene Kirk, the widow of Hall of Fame basketball Coach Bob Kirk, has passed away at the age of 86.  Mrs. Kirk died Tuesday.  She grew up in Short Gap and was a graduate of Fort Ashby High School.  Mrs. Kirk worked as a pediatric nurse at Memorial Hospital.  She was predeceased by two children and is survived by her son Jeff, daughter in law Tracy, and two grandsons.  Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home on Virginia Avenue Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June…

CRIMINAL SUMMONS SERVED

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a criminal summons on Charles Trabing IV.  The summons was issued as the result of an incident that occurred on June 15, 2025 when officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of Columbia Street for an assault.  The officers contacted an alleged victim who explained that she had been assaulted by Trabing.  The victim had sustained injuries.  After further investigation, police filed for charges against Trabing at the District Court of Allegany County.  Trabing signed for his copy of the summons and he was released pending trial.   ARRESTED: …

Frostburg Looks To Fill Commission Vacancy

The Frostburg Mayor and City Council is looking to fill a vacant position on its planning commission. The planning commission makes formal recommendations to the mayor and council regarding land use and community planning. The commission is comprised of seven members for three-year terms. Interested persons should contact Jamie Klink, city planner at jklink@frostburgcity.org.  The deadline to apply is July 2.

Drought Designation For Washington, Allegany Counties

The USDA has designated Washington County as a primary natural disaster area due to prolonged drought conditions. This allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency credit through low-interest loans to help farmers recover from losses related to drought.  Contiguous counties including Allegany County are also eligible for assistance. Farmers may apply for USDA emergency loans to help with recovery efforts such as replacing livestock or equipment, restructuring operations, or refinancing certain debts.

Cumberland “Most Walkable”

Cumberland has been named the “Most Walkable City In the United States,” according to a survey by Compare the Market. The National Association of Realtors says a top priority for choosing where to live is walkability. Cumberland scored 19.2 out of 20 for walkability, ranking it at the top of pedestrian friendly places in the country. The city received high marks for air quality, farmers markets, and having 12 EV charging stations within five miles. The ranking covers cities under 100,000 residents.

South Lee Street Assault Arrest

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at approximately 12:50 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to a residence in the 100 block of S. Lee Street for an assault involving a firearm.  Police contacted the alleged victim who reported that Todd Becker pointed a rifle at him and threatened to kill him.  After further investigation, Becker was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.   ARRESTED:  Todd Fitzgerald Becker                AGE:  61   …

BENCH WARRANT SERVED

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Cumberland Police Department served a bench warrant on Natasha Groves.  The warrant was issued as the result of Groves violating probation on an original charge of CDS: Posses-Not Cannabis. Groves was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  She was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and held without bond. ARRESTED:  Natasha Marie Groves              AGE:  41                Cumberland, MD

Dapper Dan Little League at 5:30 Tigers vs. Orioles

City’s Lobbyist Provides Updates

The City of Cumberland received an update Tuesday night from the city’s lobbyist, Rich Rheinhardt, from Percy Public Affairs.  Despite the year’s tight budget, the city received capital funds from the state for several things, including $100,000 for the Harrison and Mechanic intersection project, another $100,000 for the Allegany Museum, and $250,000 for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.  Rheinhardt also said that $10 million was approved for the Edward’s fund for fiscal year 2026.  However, he said this is the last of that money for the fund… “We did see a bill that changed some of the alterations around the…

No Concessions At Park Pool

Visitors to the Constitution Park pool this summer will be greeted with vending machines instead of food concessions.  Last year’s vendor was unable to do the job this year and Cumberland Parks and Rec Director Ryan Mackey said the season is too far along for someone to come in now…    “Thought about maybe putting out another bid, but at this point you have to wait so many weeks to see the bid, turn it back in,  and then you make your decision and for people to get their health permit and get that squared away, that’s another couple weeks….